Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
Tender cabbage leaves enfold a savory filling of rice and ground beef. At the heart of this nostalgic dish, the warming depth of meat harmonizes with tangy orchard-fresh tomato sauce—creating a timeless comfort that lingers beautifully on the palate.
Ingredients
- 1 cabbage
- 500g ground beef
- 100g rice
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 4 ripe tomatoes, grated in a blender with 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sweet paprika
- Olive oil
Instructions for the Cabbage
- Using a knife, cut the cabbage stem in a triangular shape toward the inside to create space for the leaves to soften. Place the cabbage, stem-side down, in a pot and add just enough water to cover the cabbage.
- Once the water starts to boil, cook for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the cabbage sit covered for about 30 minutes.
- After cooling, carefully separate the leaves one by one. Cut off the thick part in the middle of each leaf and split them in half. Repeat this for all the leaves.
Instructions for the Filling
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, parsley, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Knead the mixture together and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Place a tablespoon of the filling on each cabbage leaf and roll it up.
- In a pot, add some olive oil and, if desired, line the bottom with 2-3 cabbage leaves.
- Once all the cabbage rolls are prepared, place them in the pot in layers. Pour the grated tomatoes over the top, and season with a bit of salt, paprika, and pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for 45-50 minutes until the cabbage leaves and filling are fully tender. The moisture from the tomatoes should be enough for cooking.
- If more liquid is needed during cooking, add water gradually.
- To prevent the rolls from sticking, gently shake the pot in a circular motion.
Enjoy your cabbage rolls with tomato sauce!
Why It’s Irresistible
Each bite reveals the gentle sweetness of cabbage, the hearty richness of the filling, and the vibrant tang of sauce—a balanced embrace of tradition and nurturing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ideal as a comforting family staple or a soulful main course with a touch of heritage.
Learn More About Meat’s Importance!
Curious about the role of meat in a balanced diet? Click here to discover on DeliciousPath why meat is essential for your health and how it contributes to a nutritious lifestyle.
